Navigating (moving through) the application form
You may begin anywhere in this application form. Please ensure you save as you go - the Save button is in the top left hand corner.
On the right hand side of every screen, there is a box which links directly to every page of the application. Click the link to jump directly to page you want.
You can also click 'next page' or 'previous page' on the top or bottom of each page to move forward or backward through the application.
Saving and printing your draft application
If you wish to leave a partially completed application, press 'save' and log out. When you log back in and click on the ‘My Applications’ link at the top of the screen, you will find a list of any applications you have started or submitted. You can reopen your draft application and start where you left off.
You can also download any application, whether draft or completed, as a PDF. Click on the ‘Download’ button at the bottom of the application navigation panel. Once you have downloaded your application as a PDF you can print it.
Reviewing and submitting your application
You will find a ‘Review’ button at the bottom of the Navigation Panel. You need to review your application before you can submit it.
If you have not answered a compulsory question or you have entered an answer incorrectly (e.g. too many words, incorrect amount of numbers etc) you will be notified when you click 'Review'. {Questions marked with a red asterik * are compulsory}
Ensure you leave adequate time to correct any errors and complete accidently missed questions.
Once you have reviewed your application you can submit it by clicking on 'Submit' at the top of the screen or on the navigation panel.
Once you have submitted your application, no further editing or uploading of support materials is possible.
When you submit your application, you will receive an automated confirmation email with a copy of your submitted application attached. This will be sent to the email you used to register.
VERY IMPORTANT: You will not be able to submit your application until all the questions are completed as required.
If you DO NOT receive a confirmation of submission email then your submission has NOT been received.
Once you have submitted your application, no further changes can be made without contacting the Knox Grants Team on 9298 8000 or grants@knox.vic.gov.au.
Attachments and supporting documents
You may need to upload/attach documents to support your application. This is very simple, but requires you to have the documents saved on your computer, or on a zip drive, or similar.
You need to allow enough time for each file to upload before trying to attach another file. Files can be up to 25MB each; however, we recommend trying to keep files to a maximum of 5MB – the larger the file, the longer the upload time.
If you are not able to upload a document, please contact the SmartyGrants team for support (see contact details above).
Returning applicants
Returning applicants are encouraged to read the Community Development Fund Guidelines as these have changed.
It is important that all applicants are across the guidelines to assist with their application.
Completing an application in a group/team
A number of people can work on an application using the same log in details as long as only one person is working at a time. Ensure you save as you go.
How applications are assessed
All Community Partnership Fund applications are assessed on the following weighted criteria:
- Relevance to specified funding stream objectives (30%);
- Organisational capacity (demonstrated ability and experience) (25%);
- Clarity of proposed funding expenditure (evidence of realistic budget planning for funding period) (25%); and
- Opportunities to strengthen effective partnership and collaboration (10%).
- Scope of service delivery (accessibility for residents across Knox) (10%);
Notification of application outcome
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in writing by the end of October / early November 2026.
If your application is successful
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a formal funding agreement defining the approved funded activities to ensure that both parties are clear of their roles and responsibilities.
The funding agreement will clearly define accountability of the funded organisation for the achievement of agreed outcomes and will specify terms and conditions for effective service delivery and protection of public funds.
Where an organisation is auspiced for the purposes of the grant, the auspice organisation is also required to sign the funding agreement.
The period of the funding agreement will be from 1 January 2027 to 30 June 2030.
Funded organisations will need to have supplied the following documentation as part of their application:
- Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency
- Financial Income and Expenditure Report and Balance Report including Assets and Liabilities
- Annual Report
- Evidence of Current Legal Status
- Statement by Supplier Declaration (only if your organisation doesn't have an ABN)
If your application is unsuccessful
If your application is unsuccessful, an email will be sent to the contact person notifying them of the outcome.
Groups are encouraged to seek feedback and make further applications in the future.
The decision of Council is final, however if you have any questions about the outcome of your application, you are encouraged to contact the Community grants team.
The Community Partnership Fund is a competitive grants program and not all applications will be able to be funded. To give your application the best chance, we recommend ensuring you have clearly answered all information and provided supporting documents.